Exile: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is forced to leave their country, usually for political reasons, and often implies a permanent or long-term removal.

• The famous writer lived in exile for many years after his controversial book was published.
• Many political leaders were in exile during the dictatorship.

Typically refers to being sent away from a specific place as a punishment, often with a negative or disgraced connotation.

• The rebellious knight faced banishment from the kingdom for his defiance.
• After the trial, the criminal was sentenced to banishment from the city.

Used to describe being driven out of a school, organization, or place, often due to misconduct or breaking rules. Can apply beyond geographical context.

• His behavior was so disruptive that it led to his expulsion from the university.
• The scandal resulted in the expulsion of several members from the club.

Refers to the act of forcing someone to leave a country because they don't have the legal right to stay. Often used in legal and governmental contexts.

• The family faced deportation after their visa expired.
• She was at risk of deportation following her arrest for overstaying her visa.

This is a repetition of the first word 'exile' and should not be included in a separate context. Refer to the first entry for details.

Banish is generally used to describe sending someone away from a place as a punishment. It can be used in both historical contexts and for dramatic effect in stories.

• The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom.
• They were banished to the farthest corner of the land.

Expel is commonly used for officially making someone leave an organization, school, or country. It often carries a formal or administrative connotation.

• The student was expelled for cheating on the exam.
• The diplomats were expelled due to espionage accusations.

Oust is used to describe removing someone from a position of power or authority, frequently in a forceful or abrupt manner. It often has a negative or aggressive connotation.

• The board members worked together to oust the CEO.
• The corrupt official was ousted during the coup.